Workforce housing at 7603 N. Paulina secures funding

The mixed-use workforce housing development at 7603 N. Paulina has been awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Planned by Housing for All LLC and Visionary Ventures, the development will occupy the northeast corner of W. Howard St and N. Paulina St, which will include the demolition of the one-story building at the corner, while preserving the Werner Bros. Storage building, an orange-rated structure built in 1921.

Reported in Alderwoman Maria Hadden’s newsletter to constituents, she stated, “This project helps development without displacing long-term residents by addressing the increasing demand for family-sized affordable units. It not only addresses the pressing need for affordable housing but also acts as a catalyst for economic development in a part of the ward that has seen historical disinvestment.”

With Cordogan Clark & Associates serving as the architect, the project will stand eight stories tall with 80 affordable, family-size, accessible workforce apartments. All units will be reserved for households earning between 30% and 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Additionally, 10% of the units will be fully accessible, with another 20% easily adaptable to be fully accessible.

The project also incorporates 5,062 square feet of ground-floor retail space, with efforts to retain existing businesses and provide affordable commercial rents, further contributing to the area's economic revitalization. 

With funding in line for the project, the developers will turn towards preparing to begin construction on the project. Construction is anticipated to start in summer 2026, with the first residents moving in by mid-2027.